Asymmetric Synthesis of α-Amino Acids by Reduction of N-tert-Butanesulfinyl Ketimine Esters

A highly regio- and diastereoselective reduction of various N-tert-butanesulfinyl ketimine esters with L-Selectride resulting in the formation of α-amino acids is reported. This method is quite general and also practical for the preparation of both enantiomers of aryl or aliphatic α-amino acids in high yields.